Soldiers, police deployed as rainstorm destroys prison wall

A large number of policemen and soldiers have been deployed in the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, Lagos, after a rainstorm collapsed its fence last Sunday, thePUNCHhas learnt. Our correspondent learnt that after the building collapsed, prisons officials rallied around and ordered the inmates into their cells. It was learnt that the prisons authorities subsequently called on sister security agencies to fortify the prison to prevent a jailbreak. Some corrugated sheets and wood, it was learnt, had been used in providing temporary cover, while the activities of inmates have been under close watch since the collapse of the fence. Our correspondent learnt that over 50 armed policemen and soldiers have been guarding the prison for over a week, while some other prisons officials serving in other units have also been deployed in Kirikiri. The Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Prisons Service, Lagos State Command, Mr. Biyi Jeje, confirmed the story to our correspondent on the telephone Jeje said with the high level of security at the prison, it was impossible for any inmate to escape. He said, “The perimeter fence fell last Sunday during the rainstorm but we have been able to secure the area. We have many policemen, soldiers, dogs and prisons officials on guard. The place is very secure and no one can escape. “Even if you visit the prison, you will think it is a barracks because of the large number of security personnel. Very soon, the fence will be rebuilt.” Presently, there are over 750 inmates at the prison which houses inmates charged with or convicted of capital offences such as murder and armed robbery.